Costs of Health Care for Children with Dengue in Cambodia
Author Information
Author(s): Khun Sokrin, Manderson Lenore
Primary Institution: National Centre for Health Promotion, Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Hypothesis
How do user fees and poverty affect health care access for children with suspected dengue in rural Cambodia?
Conclusion
High health care costs and user fees significantly deter poor families from seeking timely medical care for children with dengue fever.
Supporting Evidence
- User fees introduced in Cambodia in 1997 have led to high out-of-pocket expenses for families.
- Many families resort to loans or selling property to afford health care for sick children.
- The study highlights the economic burden of dengue fever treatment on poor households.
Takeaway
When kids get sick with dengue, their families often can't afford the doctor, which makes it hard for them to get better. Many have to borrow money or sell things just to pay for treatment.
Methodology
The study used qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews with mothers of children with dengue and health workers, to assess health care costs and access.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported financial situations and health-seeking behaviors.
Limitations
The study is limited to two villages and may not represent all rural areas in Cambodia.
Participant Demographics
Participants included mothers of children with dengue, health workers, and community members from two villages in Kampong Cham, Cambodia.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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